Let’s stop accepting death and serious injury as part of using our roads For most of us, road safety is the last thing on our minds when we hop in the car. Despite this, road crashes are one of the biggest public health issues of the past four decades. In 2016 there were 251 people killed as a result of crashes on Queensland roads. Too many people die or are seriously injured on Queensland roads every year. Queensland Road Safety Week is all about encouraging all Queenslanders to challenge the status quo: Let’s stop accepting death and serious injury as part of using our roads. Queensland police statistics indicate that ‘Fatal Five’ behaviours – distraction, drink driving, fatigue, speeding or not wearing a seatbelt – are a factor in half of all fatal crashes.

Almost 1,000 people are either killed or injured in speed crashes every year. Despite this, many drivers think they can speed and still be in control of their vehicle. The real risks about speeding are often misunderstood. Speeding isn’t just about hooning. Around half of all serious speed-related crashes happen at just 10km/h or less above the speed limit. Speeding by 10km/h over the limit in urban areas is the same risk as driving with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.10%.

We’ve come a long way in the 30 years since a mandatory Blood Alcohol Concentration was introduced in Queensland, but unfortunately, drink and drug driving is still a problem. Drug driving is also dangerous. It’s often forgotten that every day prescription and over-the-counter medications can also impact on your ability to drive or ride safely. Be sure to consult your doctor or pharmacist to discuss the potential effects of any medication you are taking on your ability to drive safely as well as perform other common activities. If you are unsure how drugs or medications may affect your driving, think about asking someone for a lift, catch public transport or arrange a taxi or ride-share service.

76% of Queenslanders admit to illegally using their phones in the car. Queenslanders are more distracted behind the wheel than ever before. Our love of technology is taking our eyes off the road. Driving while using a mobile phone held in your hand is illegal—even if you‘ve stopped in traffic. Despite this, 76% of Queenslanders admit to illegally using their phones in the car. Using a mobile phone when driving multiplies your risk of a crash by 4. Remember, Learner, and P1 provisional drivers under the age of 25 must not use hands-free, wireless headsets or a mobile phone’s loudspeaker function. Passengers are also banned from using a mobile phone’s loudspeaker function.

Children up to 7 years old need to use a child restraint suitable for their age. Drivers and passengers are around 8 times more likely to be killed in a crash if they are not wearing a seatbelt. Children aged up to 7 years must use a child restraint suitable for their age. Check out the TMR website for practical tips on choosing a child restraint.

Nearly half of all road deaths last year were cyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists. We need to share the road, and share the love! On the road, we rely on and trust everyone around us to make good decisions about the way they drive. Here are five ways we can all work together to share the road: If you are riding a bicycle, be aware of the main blind spots for cars and move out of the blind spot as soon as possible. Trucks take longer to stop. When overtaking trucks, leave them plenty of space to brake. Remember to stay wider of the rider - When you are overtaking a bicycle rider, give a gap of 1 meter in a 60km/h (or less) zone and 1.5 meters in zones over 60km/h. Look out for motorcycles, especially when the road is wet. If you’re riding a motorcycle, ride to be visible so you and your bike can be seen. We all need to work together to share the road. Remember that bicycle riders, motorcyclists and pedestrians are the most vulnerable to the impacts of a crash. Unlike people in vehicles, they’re not protected by seatbelts, airbags and metal. No matter how we get around, we all need to get along.

Driver fatigue is not just a problem for truckies Driver fatigue is not just a problem for truckies. It can and does affect all of us. We need to wake up to the problem and do something about it. Fatigue is one of the top five factors contributing to road crashes. Being awake for about 17 hours has a similar effect on performance as having a blood alcohol content of 0.052%. If you crash, you’ll hit at speed because you can’t brake when you’re asleep. Fatigue-related crashes are often severe and frequently occur when the driver is alone. Plan to rest for at least 15 minutes every two hours. Most sleep-related vehicle crashes happen between 2am and 6am, and between 2pm and 4pm. Of all drivers and riders involved in serious fatigue-related crashes, approximately 75% are men. Young drivers are more likely to be involved in a fatigue-related crash.

jointhedrive.qld.gov.au @JoinTheDrive